LF exploring cost for custom metal rack

[zeroinverse]

I am debating building a welded tank shelving system for my garage tank.

1) anyone know any good welders?

2) what is approximate cost for a two or three level shelf? 48"x24" footprint, with top two shelves designed to hold about 60-100 gal each (so maybe 480-800 lbs) on each shelf with vertical foot/columns able to support 1600 lbs or so if it was fully loaded.

 

[Grant W]

Do any of the prebuilt or modular systems meet the weight requirements you need. They would probably be the least expensive and be easier to change around Ron. If you go the welded route make sure you have it powdercoated so it doesnt rust.

 

[zeroinverse]

Thanks Grant, looking into them. Lowes has one for like $700 which is a bit wider, but could work. I am actually looking at a 48"x30" footprint tanks, so would probably need a 48"x36" or 60"x36" footprint shelves.

I just figured the metal shelves will save space, but maybe I should just keep it as a wood shelf. It's strong enough... just the mad scientist/perfectionist in me thinking I need a metal shelf. ^_^

 

[woodnaquanut]

Ron,

You might consider asking your question on the BAR site. Lots more traffic.

What kind of tanks are you putting on this? What are you going to raise in them?

I built a 'rack' that it 60x24 out of 2x4s. Three levels. Bottom level is a PIA to deal with. Of course I'm old and not as flexible as I used to be.

Top level is also a PIA because it requires at least a foot stool to get to.

The positives about wood:
Cheap materials
I can do it myself (another way of saying cheap!)
Easy to modify.
Won't rust

Negatives:
Takes up more room. The support system takes up 7-10.5" vertically. I don't have any idea how big the steel would need to be.

Will you have access to all sides? 36" would be hard to reach across. A structure that big will be heavy. How are you going to get it home and into the garage?

Make any stand bigger than the tanks you are putting on it. The extra space is handy for all the little things like food, nets, containers, etc. that you use in and around the tanks.

 

[zeroinverse]

Yeah, I am debating doing it out of wood. I am looking at tanks that are about 48" wide and maybe 30" deep.

So maybe 60" x 36" shelf so I have room as you suggest to put stuff.

Ron,

You might consider asking your question on the BAR site. Lots more traffic.

What kind of tanks are you putting on this? What are you going to raise in them?

I built a 'rack' that it 60x24 out of 2x4s. Three levels. Bottom level is a PIA to deal with. Of course I'm old and not as flexible as I used to be.

Top level is also a PIA because it requires at least a foot stool to get to.

The positives about wood:
Cheap materials
I can do it myself (another way of saying cheap!)
Easy to modify.
Won't rust

Negatives:
Takes up more room. The support system takes up 7-10.5" vertically. I don't have any idea how big the steel would need to be.

Will you have access to all sides? 36" would be hard to reach across. A structure that big will be heavy. How are you going to get it home and into the garage?

Make any stand bigger than the tanks you are putting on it. The extra space is handy for all the little things like food, nets, containers, etc. that you use in and around the tanks.

 

[Chas]

Check out bulk storage rack or pallet rack. There is a place in Union City that I use from time to time and they have decent prices and the quality is good. Western Shelving & Rack

I think I have a handful of bulk rack load beams (linked above) that I'm not using but they've been out in the elements for a year or so and probably need touching up. I can't recall the length on the beams either but I believe they're over 48".

You can probably find used pallet rack used on CL too. That will end up being cheaper (by quite a bit) and more flexible than having one made.

~Charlie